Jets Defense Getting Ready for Rejuvenated Drake Maye and Patriots

How quickly things can change in the NFL.  Just a couple of weeks ago fans were calling Drake Maye’s 2025 season a fluke that came as the result of playing a last place schedule.  In the two weeks since, Maye has caught fire, throwing 7 touchdowns to just one interception.  Now the Jets come to town with a defense that just logged eight sacks against the Cleveland Browns.

What should we be looking for?

– David Bailey finally showed what he can do in picking up three sacks in a variety of ways off the edge.  If Bailey can become a consistent force off the edge, he makes the entire defense better and makes life hard for Maye.

– The Jets nickel corners will be big in this one as DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism have been major factors of late.  Douglas is far more established as a guy who can give you fits underneath, but Chism has impressed after joining the Pats as an undrafted free agent.  Expect Jarvis Brownlee and Deangelo Ponds to be busy.

– Will McDonald will team with Bailey off the edge and should challenge Patriots right tackle Will Campbell.  He looks to be trending toward playing, but he’s been nursing a knee injury this week.  If he’s even a half a step slower with the bad knee, the Jets can cause problems with Bailey, McDonald and Kingsley Enagbare when he’s head up against Campbell.

– Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is expected to make his return after missing all but a few snaps in week 1 this season.  Giving Geno Smith a second option to go along with Garrett Wilson could do wonders for the offense.

– Will we get another look at Kenyon Sadiq?  Following his breakout performance against the Lions in which he went over 100 yards and scored a touchdown, tight end Kenyon Sadiq has 2 catches for 3 yards in the two games since.  This has to stop.  Get the kid the football.

Prediction:

It’s difficult to envision the Jets going on the road and beating a hot Patriots team.  They have a shot at a win if Cooper and Sadiq get involved in the offense, but until we see the Jets try to get them involved, we’re picking the Pats to win it 27-20.

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a KansasCityProFootball member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.